THE IMPACT OF ESG PERFORMANCE IN THE BANKING INDUSTRY: A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN DEVELOPED AND EMERGING MARKETS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.64734/bjef.1-1-01Keywords:
ESG performance, sustainability, bank performance, developed and developing marketsAbstract
This study analyzes the influence of ESG factors on the financial performance of banks in developed and emerging markets. Using panel multiple regression analysis on annual data from 2010 to 2021, covering 220 banks (114 from developed markets and 106 from emerging markets), we find that ESG has a significant positive impact on the financial performance of banks in developed markets, with no significant effect in emerging markets. When assessing ESG pillars individually, the environmental and social pillars show a strong positive impact on bank performance in developed markets, while governance has no impact. In emerging markets, only governance has a significant positive effect, with environmental and social factors showing no significant impact. The results also indicate that ESG controversies interestingly have a positive influence on bank performance in both markets. Further regression analysis reveals variations in ESG impact when lagging effects are not accounted for.
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